Optical Network Engineer (TS/SCI)

As an integral member of the Tier2 Operations & Implementations group, the IT Systems Engineer III (Lead Engineer) provides advanced Tier2 support of a nationwide diverse fiber optic OTN/DWDM transport backbone as well as two (2) geographically separated Network Operation Centers (NOC). The Lead Engineer serves as the NOC primary point of contact (POC) for problem escalations to include trouble shooting network devices, tools, and data services. The Lead Engineer will interact with Network Provisioners, IP Engineers and/or equipment vendors to identify and resolve escalated troubles. The Lead Engineer is expected to provide accurate documentation such as SOPs, Test Plans, Implementation Plans, Training Modules, Reports and Project Narratives. The position requires high level skills in Layers 1,2,3 inter-dependences and Transport proficiency.

The network is expected to sustain continual growth to include additional sites and customers across the life of the program and the ITSE responsibilities continue to grow as new customers are added to the network.

The Main Responsibilities

• Serve as the first level of escalation to NOC personnel on network issues.

• Serves as technical POC and Lead for IP network devices configurations, and Test & Turn-Up of network nodes and devices. Interface with Tier2 team, Tier3 Engineering and configuration managers for requirements, designs, and any other information needed to perform tasks

• Performs advanced diagnostics using software and hardware tools to determine network status and optimize network performance

• Provide technical guidance, direction, and training to junior technicians on IP technology

• Provide technical input to operational documentations and SOP for IP and NM discipline supporting the NOC

• Create SOP and MOP technical operational documentation for Transport discipline supporting the NOC. Create project Implementation Plans, Test Plans and Request For Change documents.

• Create and maintain IP Network design Diagrams, IP schemes, and other supporting documentation. Review and provide feedback or updates to network as-built, Engineering Development Plans (EDP), and configuration management drawings

• Responsible for all IP and network management applications associated with the IP platforms and maintaining 100% availability of IP and Network Management services in engineering and operations environment

• Troubleshoot, identify, and resolve logical & physical network issues and identify problem trends and systemic issues before Tier III elevation

• Provide training, technical guidance and direction as needed

• Provide expertise to monitor, diagnose, and troubleshoot network problems in a mixed vendor environment. The ITSE II interacts extensively with the internal engineering, support teams (FE/FOP), and equipment/software vendors to resolve problems

• Serves as technical POC for Operation and Implementations Test & Turn-Up projects involving network management and IP network devices. Interface with Tier2 team, Tier3 Engineering and configuration managers for requirements, designs, and any other information needed to perform tasks

• Write Test & Turn-up (TTU) & Method of Procedure (MOP) for subtending devices

• Implement IP network device TTU projects which does require after hours onsite support

• Administration of SolarWinds for monitoring, STIG compliancy checks, and firmware upgrades

• On-call support of 24x7 network operations

• 15% travel can be expected

What We Look For in a Candidate

• This position requires a Top Secret/SCI clearance

• Individual is required commitment to keep up with the high demand of the position

• Firm knowledge of IP technology.

• Demonstrates a high-level of proficiency in IP technical discipline. Able to operate and accomplish technical task with minimum guidance. Proficient knowledge of common network architectures for routing, switching, and security technologies is required.

• Expertise in the uses of network management protocols, tools and products, including but not limited to SolarWinds, Cisco Identity Services Engine, Cisco Access Control Server, EIQ SecureVue, Neuralstar, SNMP managers is required.

• ITSE II is expected to have working knowledge for layer 2, 3, and 4 data networking.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in an Information Technology field and at least six years of experience in a network management environment

• Security+ or equivalent IAT/IAM/IASAE Level 2 of DOD 8570.1 is required.

• JNCIA or CCNA certification is required; working to progress for completion of CCNP certification or equivalent.

• Firm knowledge of the HAIPE and other encryption devices (KG-175G/D and KIV-7M)